RECORDINGS

Cheer-Accident

"What Sequel?" (Pravda)

December 15, 2006|By Bill Meyer

This local combo is usually beholden to a sense of humor that makes its records and performances seem like impenetrable in-jokes. But even at their most perverse they come to praise pop, not bury it, and here they play it as straight as they can. "What Sequel?" brings to mind a dream-team collaboration between Robert Wyatt, Sparks, and Jim O'Rourke (who has often worked with Cheer-Accident's musicians). The payoff comes on tracks such as the splendid "Simple Life," where the music nerd touches enhance accessible songcraft.